I Investigated the City That Traps Homeless People Forever... 

Kevin is a guy that fully acknowledges danger and the death threats and still gets hyped for an adventure

Juan kind of broke my heart. you can tell he's clinging onto sanity by trying to rationalize his drug use, but he's almost totally gone and incoherent.

Finally, someone doing some actual investigative journalism.

Bro Kevin is so awesome. He is humorous when he wants to be, serious when he needs to be. Truly a damn trooper.

Can we all just agree that Kevin must have the biggest pair in the whole US? Especially staying THIS calm and collected in situations like that again and again?

I feel so sorry for Juan. The weird internalised racism stuff firstly but he seems like he truly believes fentanyl is the solution to all his problems. I hope he gets better. I hope everyone there does.

This is literally the rawest skid row interview I have seen so far. Shit sad but so eye opening. Regardless of how tough it gets paying high rent and bills, I thank God cuz I know this could easily be any one of us… just one breakdown away.😢

2:30 “that’s the demons, the blacks” probably the main reason I started laughing again

I was a heroin and fentanyl addict for almost 12 years, the last 2 1/2 of it being homeless on the streets. I was living and sleeping in places NO human being should have to live or sleep in, such as park benches, on concrete, behind gas stations, a porta potty in winter for 3+ months, etc. In May of 2021, I was robbed and stabbed 7 times by another homeless guy, whom I thought I was helping by giving him some food and a cigarette when he asked for it, but he used that as a distraction to pull the knife on me. Obviously, I lived and he got 8 years in prison for it(however, he gets out in a few months because he worked time off), and I've been clean a good while now. I work as a mental health tech at a local psych hospital/rehab, split rent on a 5-bedroom house, bought a truck last year, which was the first vehicle I had owned in 8 years, and my life has gotten SO much better since getting clean and off the streets. It's not been easy at all, but it's definitely been worth it.

Kevin is such a cool guy, man. You can tell he's not fearless, but he's brave, and that's what matters

To get an on the ground view for the rest of us is amazing. Clearly there is a reason people avoid areas like this, but to see it and get a decent first hand look at it ourselves through your lens is a big deal. Hopefully it inspires many to stay out of these situations and keep their life strait, it convinces others to try and help if they can, and inspires many other journalists. Thanks for the content.

I couldn't help myself. I laughed so hard at that slap. I'm sorry😂

Kevin checking on the guy that got slapped and validating that he didnt do anything wrong is why i like watching these videos with him. Hes so kind to everyone even in these kinda dangerous and scary scenarios and wants them to feel seen and heard

Amazing work Tyler, stay safe brother.

I absolutely love Kevin. He is so sweet. 🥰 hes going out there to try amd connect woth people and help them of they need help and its just...incredibly heart warming. And the way he said to leave all of his stuff to his girlfriend if something were to happen..you could just see how much love he has for her just mentioning her. We need more Kevin's. Its the incredibly kind, compassionate and empathetic individuals that make my heart melt. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

“No… it’s just Meth” 😂 like what, Kevin you are wild!

That Kevin decided to face the threat and talk it down rather then panic and run and probably saved old mate a beating. Absolute warrior. If you run, a dog chases. Facing them and trying to separate them from the guy they where targeting was absolutely the right call. Other guy said "he was already half way down the street".

The interview with Jeremy really struck me hard. You can tell that underneath whatever addiction and possible underlying mental health issues he struggles with, there is a genuine, kind, and proud soul fighting so hard to break free from the shackles forced upon him by poverty and lackluster mental healthcare. And to know that there he is just one of countless in the same boat is a tragedy my mind ceases to comprehend, this video is something thats gonna stick with me for the rest of my life.

I like how you put the video link in the RU-vid shorts you make because it gets Interesting and then it has to end because of the length of shorts

i’m a high school student, and was recently in LA for a statewide competition. the place we stayed was like a block from skid row and you could definitely see the effects. i feel so bad for everyone experiencing homelessness and i hope our politicians will do something about tgis

I think it was fair for the Japanese dude to say "Don't touch me". Some people don't like physical touch so I think apologizing would be the right move. You have to respect people's boundaries even if they're high. But other than that, I think its great that you guys are trying to spread awareness on Fetynol etc.

That Japanese guy was a complete plot twist 🤣

Best journalist game changer ever. Keep up the good work and thank you for doing what you do

I'm glad you guys are ok! I've always wondered what the scoop was on skid row.🤔😥

juan is so articulate and definitely educated, it's such a shame he's out there :( i hope he gets out of that environment

I instantly click the second i see one of these videos. Tyler has actually become one of my favorite creators for investigative journalism.

Oh man.... I am still on my USA trip and learned about the mole people recently since I am now in Vegas. (A bit how I stumbled upon this yt channel) I had my Airbnb stay at little tokyo/artist street and the first day I arrived to LA, was walking from there to downtown. This means that I walked through skidrow and the time was around 9-10 pm. I did sense that I was not safe, I also walked back later around 1 am through skidrow. Watching this video just made me realize, the place was even this dangerous?!? Oh man.... That's nuts and I did not know about this as a tourist.

You snap bro ! This was very insightful

My heart goes out to everyone on those streets. No one says they want to be strung out, homeless, and abused at their kindergarten promotion ceremony. These are humans beings who once were children that now dance with demons. Any out reach is risky and beautiful. I tip my hat to those on the front lines. Thank you for this film.

Kevin really has the best intent for these people and im so amazed by his passion of actually meeting people at eye level and genuine care for their stories

I love how respectfully you are to those you interview and how you allow every person a voice. I true journalist and a genuinely good man.

I'm stuck in this channel, it's so good

"should we take you to the hospital" "no, it's just meth" i died😂😂

Kevin is so selfless. The world needs more Kevins :)

Love ur content bro 😊

Tyler is really the truest form of journalism

I got mad respect to Kevin for going in there by himself. That's some chad stuff nobody else is capable of pulling off

This is hard to watch but this is necessary for people to know that all of this is happening. Keep up the good work guys.

Stay safe out there bro 👊

These videos are crazy. It’s amazing.

As someone who drives past skid row alot, and someone who enjoys the way Kevin was explaining the situation in Oregon, and the way he was so fearless talking to people. I’m glad he’s able to explain and show the situation in downtown LA as well

Kevin has the heart of a saint and the courage of a marine. Y'all are doing great work spreading awareness here on your channel Tyler. Keep up the amazing reporting!

Thank you for making this video!! I appreciate your work on the issue of Homelessness. It is through your videos that iblearned of you and your friend Kevin, who is incredible. I help out the Homeless in my Community but i am a beginner and nowhere near on the map as you and Kevin. It is very dangerous work and a Thankless effort. Yet, i refuse to allow the Homeless here in Santa Clarita, CA to continue to suffer under the hands of City Hall and its workers, who continually harass the Homeless and destroy their Camps on purpose. City Hall merely pockets the Funds meant to help out the Homeless while systemstically destroying their lives. I aim to bring that to light and sue the City, and with the money, give it out to those in need personally and distributed evenly.

the part that got me was Tyler asked if they needed to take Kevin to the hospital and he said "no, it's just m*th". He is so desensitized to everything that he said it was "just m*th", he knows there are worse things that could've happened to him when he went alone. Major props to him.

Kevin is a real g. He’s going out to help people society has deemed “dead weight”. Everyone deserves a second chance, and I hope these people work the courage to take the first step in getting help

I must say I really enjoyed Kevin’s presence. I felt bad when he got into all those sketchy situations and I hope he has a safe exit route Everytime in future situations. May god bless and protect him as what he is doing is amazing

7:13 😂😮 Lord i swear i didn't mean to laugh it caught me off guard 😢i feel bad that i laughed again after having watched it for the second time now

Tyler and Kevin y’all need to continue to make more videos on this type of content. Y’all are great together. Kevin is a veteran to these kinds of things.

I will always appreciate the balls Tyler has to give us this informational content.

Makes sense calling it skid row. Like the skids on underwear. Once the shit stains are removed... they can change the name.

Hi Tyler. You have a new subscriber from Amsterdam, the Netherlands 🇳🇱

Holy Shit! I was homeless on the river in Tulsa OK and that was NOTHING compared to Portland. Portland would terrify me. Everyone assumes most become homeless due to drugs and that's just not true. So so many turn to drugs just to deal with the hopelessness of homelessness. I'm no longer homeless, but I'm one of the lucky ones. We simply MUST do something to help the ones who want to be helped. We must find a way to house people or they'll have no reason to get clean. I know, I've been there.

As someone who lives in LA it’s very much horrifying seeing how so many people from different countries come visit LA thinking it’s a beautiful city and then come and see this. Hopefully in a few years this gets better help

Great work. I work security in Portland Oregon.. There were 4 deaths alone in 1 month in 1 building I Gaurd at, all were because of, or directly related To, Fentanyl.

Kevin is a gem of a human being, I love him.

Kevin is a person we all should strive to be. Dude isn't fearless, he's not stupid. He may be naive, but he's driven by his heart, making him courageous.

I've lived in LA for over a decade. The situation is shit. Affordable housing and tiny homes are not the solution. During COVID many homeless were offered rooms in nearby hotels to stay in, most all of them declined due to the hotels having a rule that they weren't allowed to bring in drugs. These folks don't want to get off the street. As the man at 3:36 said, the resources to get out of it are already there. What we need is mental hospitals and asylums brought back.

I walked past Skid Row every day to go to work, and to go to school and I live in downtown LA and this constantly breaks my heart. I offer some homeless people food when I’m at like a food truck or a 7-Eleven.

Cheers from New Zealand 👍

“should we take you to the hospital?” “no, it’s just meth”

I'm liking this content from Tyler. It's as real as it gets. You can't fake an entire city being homeless and addicted to drugs. Major props to him going and talking with the population with no judgement. Tyler's a good dude in my book, Kevin as well. Can't wait for the next video.

Thank you for bringing awareness to this. As a native Angelino who shopped, studied and worked near skid row let me just say it made me jaded, scared, desensitized and depressed. When I called the city to help a homeless individual all they did was “sweep” their area. I cried the next time I saw him because he was actively in a state of psychosis and giving himself a dirt bath on the freeway off-ramp. No human or animal should be in those conditions.

Brother seeing demons has that second sight, seriously hope he's doing better now

Homeless people don't like cameras because they are doing illegal activities and they don't want to go back to jail and of course they don't want people filming their suffering it's humiliating. Addiction is a fatal disease and it's hard to fight that on top of trying to get resources for help on getting sober and getting a home. And the government and politicians refuses to help. They need to help us homeless/mental/physically ill people. 😢

As someone like Kevin, an ex homeless, and addict. I am glad he is helping you bring more awareness to these kinds of things. It is important to see what the government is trying to hide.

2:23 I love him she is a human sheep fr 2:29 LMFAOOOO THIS PART SOLD ME

In Remembering me my trip in Vancouver first place I've landed was on east hastings between Chinatown and Gastown! Gawd damn!!

Tyler is out there telling the truth about the world and spreading awarness of problems in our world

kevin genuinely has that dawg in him, so much respect for what he does

Kevin is the MAN. A true Saint among the many Hell Like Zombies both on skid row and in Corporate.

Kevin bending down to juan and just trying to lightly get through to him on the whole fent thing is something I can relate too. When ur in addiction... its really hard not to justify ur using with every excuse in the book

As someone who grew up around some not so nice places “hey can me and my friends come film and talk to you guys?” Works a whole FUCK TON better then rolling up with cameras and expecting people to be chill on certain blocks.

This has been pure entertainment. Not for the reasons everyone else is saying, but because between the both of you I don't see an ounce of street smarts. I mean none. This is not outreach, it's two naive dudes showing up asking the dumbest questions I've ever heard while dodging beatings at every turn. Excellent! We need more!

God bless Kevin. 💙🙏🏽

The blinking “in” when the guy was speaking

The bravery and drive that Tyler has to document all of this while risking his safety is honestly inspiring.

i live in LA, and i hate when people romanticize it so much. Thank you for showing the reality of what it is truly like, and the safety factors that make it difficult to live.

this guy never disappoints

My brother died of fentynal in 2022. He wanted just regular heroin. He had an addiction and tolerance to heroin, but got fentynal on misconception. 34 years old and died. Wasn't even homeless. Fentynal needs to get out of America. It's too potent.

Poor Juan. Listening to him ramble but still a tiny bit aware just broke my heart

i swear every video you make is a masterpeace. it shows the true side of things and you are never biased when it comes to showing it off.

Stay safe lil bro

Ok dont usually take to these but im hooked lol

Man Kevin has no fear. He really cares about everyone.

Dude from 10:33 - 10:55 sounded very well put together. Crazy to think how intelligible he came across as yet he's found himself stuck in skid row...

you look at this guy, kevin, and the last thing on your mind is how this man has balls of steel... dude, looks like an accountant, but he has balls of steel

2:32 Jeremy Johnson sounds like Chris Rock off the fenty 😂

This dude went from escaping a box underground to being the best interviewer ever keep it up.

7:26 God forgive but that drive by slapping cracked me up 😂😂😂😂😂

I work for a nonprofit that specializes in helping people with developmental disabilities. I began my career there roughly five years ago, as a coach in a new program they had then started to help said people gain work experience by volunteering in the downtown LA area. A few months in, I started having to go to the Midnight Mission in Skid Row on Mondays with two of our participants. The bus we had to take to get there would leave us off about half a block away from the mission. It doesn't sound like much, but when you're in the heart of Skid Row, you definitely want to minimize ANY amount of time you are out and about there. I would generally look straight ahead while walking to there, not looking at anyone or anything no matter what while keeping the participants I was with close, and I instructed them to do the same. Even doing that, I had directly witnessed more than a few times physical altercations. 9/10 times it was a single, but powerful slap to the face or punch (usually a man to a woman). But every now and then there would be a full-on fistfight happening down the street in the distance. I would also see people naked, or stripping, laying face-down in the street, and a lot of nonsensical shouting. Needless to say, I would always have a fair amount of concern for my own safety and the safety of the people I was responsible for, to say the absolute least. I (as well as other coaches and program participants who raised numerous concerns) only had to stop going there once lockdown hit and we worked from home via Zoom. Once lockdown lifted, we did not go back to the Midnight MIssion. Not because of safety concerns, but because of Covid-related concerns. Seeing as the situation IN Skid Row has only gotten worse and has been and currently is still spreading (even to surrounding areas as far as San Gabriel)...well not going back to Midnight Mission did not mitigate much. Thankfully, I was able to recently transfer to a different work location in a much safer area, but I can only hope that said spreading does not worsen. Stay safe out there, friends.

Kevin has amazing and pure energy. He’s different than everybody. You can see that that’s why he’s good at what he does.

That 20 dollar protection fee 🤣🤦‍♂️

What sucks about Tyler’s content is…I wish it was slightly longer. His stuff is very engaging but after 15 minutes I wish there was more

Bro you may be one of the bravest people I know

I dont know if Kevin is a believer in the faith of the Lord, but the fact that hes willing to go amongst the broken reminds me of this verse. God bless you Kevin. If youre meant to serve, serve. ‭‭Romans 12:16 NIV‬‬ [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Kevin’s so brave! Doing amazing work! I’m praying for him

When I was younger, I was part of a youth ministry. They took us to Skid Row and we got to feed them. Yeah, it was scary. But there were tons of people there who recognized we were younger and were there to help. The stories... some are so very heartbreaking. If I were still in CA, I'd do it again even though I'm aware the crime is worse. Sometimes these people just need compassion. No, not all. But if I had to risk safety to save just one other human, it'd be worth it.

Thanks!

A couple of years ago a friend of mine came home from a business trip to America, Silicon Valley. He was half way traumatized as he one morning woke up early, and decided to venture for an early run in Silicon Valley, where he saw all the homeless. He had been in Silicon Valley for a couple of days and never saw any homeless. Except for that morning when he went out before the homeless was bussed away. He had never seen anything like it. We are from Denmark, we have homeless too. But they dont live in tent cities for decades as a parasociety under neath the visible front.

Both my brothers died from a fentanyl od. 1 back in 2018 and the other just recently (2 weeks ago). Shit fucking sucks. They were young, 20, and 24. People need to understand u don’t die by the drug itself whether it’s cocaine or heroin, you die from the fentanyl laced with the cocaine and heroin. Rip bros❤️ and all those we’ve lost to this horrible drug. Thank you for posting a video like this for more people to be aware of what’s actually happening. stay safe brotha and thanks for the vid!❤